Crime Watch To Appoint New Directors

HOLLYWOOD -- Representatives from 11 neighborhoods will be appointed to a new board of directors for Citizens` Crime Watch, which is now under city control.

Internal bickering and politics led to the demise of the previous Crime Watch, which had been independent of the city since formed in 1980.

Commissioners last month voted to put the volunteer organization under city control for a year as an experiment.

Ruth Isola, a former Crime Watch area supervisor who has been a member since the group was formed, said she is hopeful it will get back on its feet.

``I really believe that now with the city behind it we`re going to really see this take off,`` she said.

Commissioners decided to appoint members rather than elect them so the process will be kept simple. An advisory board will work with the city on the organization`s activities. Members will serve three-year terms without pay.

Commissioners increased the number of board members to get more representation in the Liberia and Washington Park areas, which are among the city`s highest crime areas.

Mayor Mara Giulianti opposed the city takeover of the Crime Watch, saying it would add another layer of bureaucracy and might cause residents to lose interest.

``What happens if those people who were involved lose interest because they don`t like what the city is doing?`` Giulianti said. ``I`m concerned that at the end of the year we won`t have the same active volunteers.``

Commissioner Guy Roper Jr., who was more optimistic, said as long as the measure is temporary, it`s a good idea.